By James Bergeron
Photo Gallery:
2010 Mazda3 GT
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Have I already lost four years of my life? It seems like only two years ago I picked up my very own Mazda3 Sport GT — a 2006 model — and now here I am driving a 2010 model! The car business is a little odd: we are barely into 2009 and the 2010 Mazda3s are on showroom floors and ready for you to take home. Lucky for me, I get to take a GT model home myself this week.
For 2010, Mazda has stepped up its game once again with the new Mazda3, with features never before available in the compact car segment in Canada. Since the vehicle is all-new for 2010, I want to cover off all the new trim levels, as they have changed slightly from the previous (2004-2009) design.
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There are the entry-level GX and GS sedans, as well as the unique to Canada Sport GX, all powered powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, DOHC engine that produces 148 horsepower mated to a five-speed manual transmission, or five-speed automatic. On top of that is the Mazda3 Sedan GT and Mazda3 Sport GS/GT trims which are powered by the all new 167 horsepower, 2.5 litre four-cylinder — taken from the Mazda6 — and six-speed manual gearbox . My tester is equipped with an optional five-speed automatic gear box with manual shift mode.
So, what about those features typically not found in the compact vehicle class? Well, for 2010, the Mazda3 really delivers with available options such as: a Traction Control System (TCS) with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), exterior mirror mounted turn signals, colour Multi Information Display (MID) with Navigation, smart keyless entry with Smart Start, a 10-speaker BOSE audio system, Sirius satellite radio, and an Adaptive Front Lighting System with self-levelling Bi-Xenon headlights.
It is a fairly substantial list of goodies — but does the Mazda3 still deliver the huge smile and fun factor? I can’t wait to find out!
2010 Mazda3 GT
MSRP as tested (excluding destination): $23,795
For more information on Mazda and the mazda3 visit Mazda Canada
